Jeff

Back in January 2005, Mark Duplass and his brother Jay Duplass debuted their first feature length film, THE PUFFY CHAIR, at the Sundance Film Festival. That fateful night in Park City would spark a career that has seen the duo flourish into two of the most influential names in American independent film. Writing and directing studio projects CYRUS (2010) and JEFF, WHO LIVES AT HOME (2011) as well as executive producing the films of other budding filmmakers, the Duplass Brothers have become a staple at Sundance. Mark has also blossomed into a bona fide leading man in the indie world, starring in recent Sundance hits YOUR SISTER’S SISTER and SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED. Adding to his ubiquity is a starring role in FX comedy The League and his upcoming HBO series Togetherness, which he created with his brother.

Last October, when Jeff Ragsdale, an out-of-work actor and stand-up comedian, got dumped by his girlfriend — the kind of breakup that puts your heart through the blender — he decided to crowd-source his loneliness. He posted flyers all around Lower Manhattan that read, “If anyone wants to talk about anything, call me… Jeff, One Lonely Guy.” His cellphone number was listed at the bottom of the flyer in little tabs that strangers could tear off — anyone who’s familiar with New York will be used to seeing these kinds of flyers offering dog-walking services or futons for sale, etc.